Instant Pot Pot Roast with Mashed Potatoes & Gravy

Is there anything more comforting than a big, hearty pot roast with mashed potatoes and gravy? It’s like a warm hug for your soul, and with the Instant Pot, you can make this classic dish faster than you ever thought possible! Tender, melt-in-your-mouth beef, rich gravy, and creamy mashed potatoes all in one meal? Yes, please! Perfect for busy weeknights or special Sunday dinners, this recipe combines convenience with flavor to deliver a meal that’ll leave you and your family absolutely satisfied. Trust me, once you taste this, you’ll be coming back to it time and time again.

Why You’ll Love Instant Pot Pot Roast with Mashed Potatoes & Gravy

Here’s why this dish will be your go-to comfort food:

• Tender & Flavorful: The Instant Pot makes the pot roast so tender that it practically falls apart. Plus, the flavor is deep, savory, and oh-so-satisfying.
• One-Pot Meal: No need to dirty a bunch of dishes! You cook everything in the Instant Pot, from the roast to the potatoes to the gravy.
• Quick & Easy: With the Instant Pot, you can make a classic pot roast in a fraction of the time it would take in the oven. Perfect for when you’re craving comfort food but short on time.
• Creamy Mashed Potatoes: The mashed potatoes are perfectly creamy, with just the right balance of butter, cream, and seasoning to complement the rich roast.
• Gravy Magic: The gravy made from the pot roast’s juices is the perfect finishing touch. It’s savory, rich, and made with zero effort!

Ingredients in Instant Pot Pot Roast with Mashed Potatoes & Gravy

This dish is made with simple, everyday ingredients that come together to create a comforting meal. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Chuck Roast: A flavorful cut of beef that’s perfect for slow cooking. It becomes tender and juicy in the Instant Pot.
• Beef Broth: For a rich, savory base to cook the roast in and to make the gravy.
• Carrots & Onion: Classic pot roast vegetables that add sweetness and depth of flavor.
• Garlic: Adds a delicious savory kick to the roast.
• Olive Oil: For searing the roast before cooking to lock in all the flavors.
• Bay Leaves & Thyme: For added flavor that elevates the entire dish.
• Salt & Pepper: To season the roast and vegetables.
• Potatoes: Yukon gold potatoes are the best for mashed potatoes—creamy and smooth.
• Butter & Cream: For rich, creamy mashed potatoes that will melt in your mouth.
• Cornstarch: Used to thicken the gravy made from the roast’s juices.

(Note: The full ingredient measurements are provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s get cooking! Here’s how you can make this hearty, flavorful meal in your Instant Pot:

Sear the Roast

Set the Instant Pot to the “Sauté” function. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil, then season the chuck roast generously with salt and pepper. Sear the roast on all sides for about 4-5 minutes, until it’s nicely browned. This step locks in the flavor and gives the roast that perfect seared crust.

Add the Aromatics & Broth

Once the roast is seared, remove it from the Instant Pot. Add the chopped onion, garlic, and carrots to the pot, sautéing for 2-3 minutes until they’re softened. Then, pour in the beef broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot (this adds even more flavor). Add the bay leaves and thyme, and return the roast to the pot.

Pressure Cook the Roast

Close the Instant Pot lid, set the valve to sealing, and cook on “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” for 60 minutes. Once the cooking time is up, allow for a natural release for 10-15 minutes before performing a quick release to release any remaining pressure.

Prepare the Mashed Potatoes

While the roast is cooking, peel and chop the potatoes into chunks. Place them in a separate pot of salted water, bring to a boil, and cook for about 15 minutes or until fork-tender. Drain the potatoes, then mash them with butter, cream, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.

Make the Gravy

Once the roast is done and removed from the Instant Pot, set the Instant Pot to the “Sauté” function again. In a small bowl, mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with a bit of cold water to make a slurry. Stir the slurry into the broth and vegetables in the Instant Pot, and cook for 3-5 minutes until the gravy thickens.

Serve

Slice the pot roast against the grain, and serve it with the mashed potatoes and gravy. Spoon the rich gravy over the roast and potatoes, and garnish with fresh herbs if desired. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 6
Calories per serving: 500
Total Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 85mg
Sodium: 800mg
Total Carbohydrates: 42g
Dietary Fiber: 4g
Sugars: 6g
Protein: 35g
Vitamin D: 0µg
Calcium: 50mg
Iron: 4mg
Potassium: 900mg

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes

How to Serve Instant Pot Pot Roast with Mashed Potatoes & Gravy

This hearty meal is perfect on its own, but here are some ideas to elevate it even further:

• Roasted Vegetables: Serve with some roasted Brussels sprouts, green beans, or parsnips to add some extra veggies to the plate.
• Crusty Bread: A slice of warm, crusty bread is perfect for mopping up all that delicious gravy.
• Side Salad: A light salad with a tangy vinaigrette will balance the richness of the pot roast and mashed potatoes.

Additional Tips

• Leftovers: This meal makes excellent leftovers. The flavors meld even more after sitting in the fridge, and the roast stays tender for days!
• Gravy Consistency: If your gravy is too thin, simply cook it for a few more minutes. If it’s too thick, add a splash of beef broth to reach your desired consistency.
• Alternative Potatoes: If you prefer, you can use Russet potatoes instead of Yukon Golds. Just know that they may result in a slightly fluffier mash.
• Beef Alternatives: If you’d like to use a different cut of beef, brisket or round roast can also work well, but they may require slightly longer cook times.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I make this recipe without the Instant Pot?
A1: Yes, you can make the pot roast in a slow cooker or on the stovetop. In a slow cooker, cook the roast on low for 7-8 hours. On the stovetop, cook the roast in a large pot on low for about 3-4 hours.

Q2: Can I use other vegetables in the roast?
A2: Absolutely! Potatoes, parsnips, and celery are all great additions to the roast. Just chop them and add them to the pot with the carrots.

Q3: Can I make the mashed potatoes ahead of time?
A3: Yes! You can make the mashed potatoes in advance, then reheat them on the stovetop with a little extra butter and cream.

Q4: Can I freeze the leftovers?
A4: Yes! Both the pot roast and mashed potatoes freeze well. Just store them in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Reheat thoroughly when ready to serve.

Q5: How can I make the gravy thicker?
A5: If the gravy is too thin, simply let it simmer for a few more minutes. If you want to thicken it even faster, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with water and add it to the gravy.

Q6: What kind of beef broth should I use?
A6: You can use either beef broth or beef stock. Stock will give the gravy a richer flavor, but broth works just as well.

Q7: Can I use a different cut of beef?
A7: Yes! While chuck roast is ideal, you can substitute with brisket or round roast. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.

Q8: How do I know when the pot roast is done?
A8: The pot roast should be fork-tender and easy to shred. If it’s not quite there, cook it for a few more minutes under pressure.

Q9: Can I add wine to the pot roast?
A9: Yes! You can add a splash of red wine to the broth for extra depth of flavor. Just be sure to balance it with additional broth to maintain the liquid needed for cooking.

Q10: How can I make this dish spicier?
A10: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the seasoning or mix in a bit of hot sauce or chili paste to the broth for a kick of heat.

Conclusion

This Instant Pot Pot Roast with Mashed Potatoes & Gravy is everything you’ve ever wanted in a comforting meal—tender, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make. The Instant Pot does all the hard work, so you can enjoy a delicious, hearty dinner with minimal effort. Whether you’re feeding your family on a busy night or hosting a cozy Sunday dinner, this dish is sure to become a favorite. So grab your Instant Pot and get ready to enjoy a warm, savory meal in no time!

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